Automotive Insiders
Episodes
Bill Long: A Legacy of Supplier Leadership
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For more than 40 years, Bill Long has helped shape the voice and future of the supplier community. In this special episode, the retiring MEMA Presiden...
Using AI to Get Smarter About Sourcing
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Automotive procurement teams are stuck in endless firefighting and AI is offering a way out. Arkestro’s Head of Automotive, Ron Collman, reveals how...
AI-Driven Efficiency for the Modern Supplier
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Suppliers are sitting on billions in stranded capital and AI is finally unlocking it. Infor’s Peter Maithel explains how smarter factories create a ...
Arthur D. Little & MEMA OE Landmark Study: U.S. Manufacturing Competitiveness
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As a USMCA renegotiation looms, suppliers face critical choices about where future programs belong. Arthur D. Little reveals the factors that will det...
Digitizing Supplier Intelligence: How Tohoom Enables Success
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Suppliers are facing unprecedented complexity — and the old tools can’t keep up. Tohoom joins Automotive Insiders to explain how digitized commerc...
AI’s Hidden Cost-Savings Opportunity
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
AI has transformed automotive manufacturing — now it’s poised to reinvent how vehicles are sold. Jonas Wagner, partner and managing director, of A...
How Sustainable is our Current Reporting Environment?
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sustainability reporting is becoming a maze for auto suppliers. With conflicting state laws, global standards, and unclear federal direction, where do...
Tariffs, Prices, and Performance: How Policy Is Shaping the Auto Market
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Trade tensions, shifting tariffs, and rising costs are rewriting the rules for automakers in 2025. In this episode of Automotive Insiders, Jason Stein...
Building a Sustainable Battery Future
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Electrification is transforming the automotive landscape — and sustainability is now at the heart of every battery breakthrough. In this episode of ...
Charging Ahead? The Shifting Landscape of EV Adoption
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The EV transition hinges on the battery supply chain — but tariffs, trade policy, and shifting incentives are adding new complexities. In this episo...
The Importance of Growing the Supply Base
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As the industry reshapes around electrification, trade shifts and new technologies, a strong and diverse supplier base has never mattered more. MEMA’...
What the Industry Can Learn from Chassis 2.0
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
ZF’s Chassis 2.0 is redefining how braking, steering, and suspension systems work — replacing traditional mechanics with intelligent, software-dri...
U.S. Manufacturing at a Crossroads
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Automotive Insiders, Arthur D. Little Partners Jörn Buss and Frank McCleary preview a landmark study which is set to debut at the ...
Tooling Under Pressure
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Costs, labor, and global competition are reshaping the backbone of auto manufacturing. In this episode of Automotive Insiders, Wipfli’s Laurie Harbo...
Trade tensions, tariffs & USMCA – what suppliers need to know
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Global trade uncertainty continues to shape the automotive industry. In our latest Automotive Insiders episode, Jeffrey Richardson of Miller Canfield ...
Navigating the Rising Tide of Supplier Litigation
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Supplier disputes are on the rise — and the stakes have never been higher. In this episode of Automotive Insiders, Adam Ratliff of Warner Norcross +...
Strategies to Solve Shifting Contract Terms
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Automotive Insiders, Butzel’s Mitch Zajac breaks down the legal implications in today’s supply chain — from volume fluctuatio...
A Look at the Future of Commercial Wheels
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Accuride CEO Kent Jones joins Automotive Insiders to talk EVs, durability, smart coatings — and why the road ahead is built on lighter, tougher, mor...
Charting the Course for the CV Future
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does the future of commercial vehicles look like in a world of electrification, AI, and shifting regulations? Allison Transmission’s John Coll ...
The Pitfalls of Uncertainty
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Can North America stay competitive without long-term investment certainty? Michael Robinet of S&P Global joins Automotive Insiders to reveal what’...
What’s next for EVs?
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is the EV revolution hitting the brakes? Dykema Senior Counsel Jay Logel joins Automotive Insiders to break down what shifting policies mean for suppl...
What’s Changing the Game in Software?
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein interviews Amarish Kapadia, Global Head of Sales & Product Strategy at MiNDCAN, to discuss how software can t...
Looking for Clarity Amid the Chaos
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein talks to Mark Wakefield about AlixPartners’ 2025 Global Automotive Outlook, the consulting firm’s annual in-d...
Finding Clarity Amid Supplier Disruption
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From raw material shortages to labor strikes and global conflicts, suppliers are getting squeezed. What contract provisions are most critical right no...
South Carolina Regional III: The Impact of Cost Management for Suppliers
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matthew Smith, President and CEO of 3C Software, talks to Automotive Insider host Jason Stein about cost management strategies for suppliers, includin...
South Carolina Regional II: How CU-ICAR is Growing with the Industry
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In part two of our three-part series from the MEMA OE South Carolina Regional Meeting, Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein interviews David Clayton, ...
South Carolina Regional I: JTEKT’s Continued Rise in the U.S. South
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Automotive Insiders takes the podcast on the road this week to talk investment in South Carolina’s growing automotive ecosystem. In part one of a th...
The Opportunity of SDVs and Semiconductors
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The semiconductor and software-defined vehicle space is changing at a lightning pace. Where are the next frontiers and what opportunities could emerge...
The Search for Certainty in Uncertain Times
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Whether the issue is ICE vs. EVs, tariffs or the desire for more growth, the headwinds in the space are numerous for suppliers. What’s the best way ...
An Earth Day Conversation About Sustainability
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What are the goals and objectives on sustainability and where are the challenges. On this Earth Day, we take a closer look from the MEMA perspective a...
The Real Cost of Tariffs
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What are the trade tools being used in the tariff decisions and what is the planning that needs to occur in order to lower costs and reduce risk? Mark...
Navigating Product Liability
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein talks with Katie Crysler, associate attorney at Warner Norcross and Judd, about the implications of product liabi...
The Logistical Complexity of Tariffs
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein talks with Nick Schaefer of Automated Logistics Systems about the implications of tariffs on the logistics side o...
Spotlight Series: MEMA Board Member Jennifer Slater
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Automotive Insiders launches a new program called “Spotlight Series” where host Jason Stein sits down with a MEMA Board Member to discuss the topi...
Inside the Chaos of Tariffs
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As the industry marches closer to a tariff deadline, Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein talks to Michael Robinet is Vice President of Forecast Strat...
Finding A Footing in the World of Sustainability
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Suppliers which are looking for a pathway on sustainability have much to consider, including environmental, social and governance issues. In this epis...
Battling Back Cybersecurity Threats
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The threat of cybersecurity touches every area of the supply base. How to combat it in a world of dangerous activity? Just ahead of a MEMA event on Fe...
The Supplier Scramble Amid Possible Tariffs
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On the eve of possible tariffs, Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein talks to Alejandro Gomez and Vanessa Miller, partners at Foley & Lardner LLP,...
Winning the Software-Defined Vehicle Battle
02 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We kick off the year in a prelude to CES by talking to Sonatus Chief Marketing Officer Dr. John Heinlein about the future of the software-defined vehi...
Finding a Propulsion Solution in a Changing Industry
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From the MEMA Annual Conference, host Jason Stein interviews Rajaey Kased President, Control Devices Division at Stoneridge, to talk about China, tari...
Where Does AI Go From Here?
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the second part of our interview at the MEMA Annual Conference, SAP’s Bill Newman and Rich Wilkins talk with Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein...
Taking Stock of Suppliers in a Post-Election World
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In an interview at the MEMA Annual Conference, SAP’s Bill Newman and Rich Wilkins talk with Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein about the state of ...
Navigating Immigration and Labor Options
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Immigration, employment, and labor are front and center in so many discussions today and the options for suppliers can be a bit complex. Sarah Bileti,...
Decoding Industry 4.0 Tech and How to Harness it for your Operation
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Host Jason Stein sits down with Joe LaRussa, owner of Supremo Consulting and the expert in residence at the Industry 4.0 Accelerator. Joe breaks down ...
What’s Next on Trade and the USMCA?
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ahead of the MEMA Annual Conference, host Jason Stein interviews Pat D’Eramo, CEO of Martinrea International, to discuss trade, policy, tariffs and ...
How to Find Efficiency in Battery Technology
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Innovation in battery technology is driving a reduction in emissions, improving efficiency, and advancing the transition to electric vehicles, helping...
The Implications of an EPA Change
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The EPA’s Clean Trucks Plan comes into play in January 2027 and there are significant implications for suppliers. Diego Depetris of Bain & Compa...
How To Source and Identify Cost Reduction
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Where are the opportunities to find cost optimization in the IT space? In this episode of Automotive Insiders, host Jason Stein interviews RSM’s Dav...
How to Win in the ESG Journey
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Automotive Insiders, host Jason Stein talks to Laurie Hoose of Plante Moran, about the role of ESG in planning and preparing for ch...
M&A: Where are the opportunities and the challenges?
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
To participate in M&A or not? Dan Bonucchi, Partner at Warner Norcross + Judd and co-chair of the firm’s Mergers & Acquisitions Practice Gro...
Supplier Barometer Reading: Caution
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Collin Shaw, President of MEMA’s Original Equipment Suppliers group, sits down with host Jason Stein to discuss the latest findings in the supper ba...
Breaches of Contract & Stalemates: What to do when a supplier wants to exit?
05 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this two-part discussion of Automotive Insiders, host Jason Stein talks about the concept of material breach as well as navigating stalemates. Two ...
How to Win the Race with Software-Defined Vehicles
29 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The automotive ecosystem is expanding rapidly around software-defined vehicles. But what’s the route to achieve scale? And where is progress really ...
Solving Skillset Issues, One Position At A Time
22 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this week’s episode of Automotive Insiders, host Jason Stein interviews Anthony Murphy of Plex by Rockwell Automation to discuss major trends in ...
The secret sauce of accelerating innovation
15 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Discussing the trends around connectivity, including over-the-air updates, data logging and remote commands. Have we only scratched the surface – an...
The Way Forward with Software Defined Vehicles
08 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this week’s episode of Automotive Insiders, host Jason Stein interviews Ivy Nguyen, to talk about the industry’s transition to software defined...
How to Tackle An Industry of Uncertainties?
01 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Automotive Insiders, host Jason Stein interviews Peter Maithel and Ken Royce of Infor, on timeliness, positions and implications of the current indust...
Data as the New Capital in Quality, Leadership
11 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Automotive Insiders, host Jason Stein talks to Brian Martensen, Product Manager, Plex Quality Management System, about the importan...
Creating a Leaner, Resilient Supply Base
27 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Circular packaging can offer not just a solution, but an opportunity to also ensure leaner and more resilient supply chain operations. On this episode...
Talent and quality in an ICE & EV age
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As the market for EVs and ICE vehicles continues to evolve, we turn our focus to quality improvements and the needs of the industry. Automotive Inside...
Navigating engineering’s big shifts
13 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Host Jason Stein sits down with Deloitte’s Stavros Stefanis and Kevin Prendeville on Automotive Insiders to discuss the complexity, efficiency and c...
Tariffs, powertrain and labor: Breaking down a trifecta of industry issues
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this week’s episode of Automotive Insiders, host Jason Stein interviews Ambrose Conroy, CEO and Founder of Seraph Consulting, on the challenges a...
Getting to the Heart of Training and Opportunity
30 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
During a live recording of Automotive Insiders at the MEMA/SCAC 2024 South Carolina Regional Meeting, BMW Manufacturing’s Paul Sinanian and James Ri...
The Impact of Automated Inspections
23 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
During a live recording of Automotive Insiders at the MEMA/SCAC 2024 South Carolina Regional Meeting, Yaron Saghiv, Chief Marketing Officer of UV-EYE,...
Focusing in on sustainability and steel
10 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With a shift to less carbon-intensive production methods in the U.S. steel market, where are the advantages and opportunities? Automotive Insiders hos...
Part 2: Finding solutions in a journey to sustainability
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Part 2: Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a movement within the industry built around the necessary changes that need to be made – a ch...
Part 1: Finding solutions in a journey to sustainability
25 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Part 1: Finding solutions in a journey to sustainability The sustainability journey is picking up speed and the opportunities are open for an industr...
How Rivian is finding and cultivating great talent
28 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Nana Danso, Rivian’s director of learning and development, outlines the automaker’s plan to encourage young workers to learn a skilled trade and c...
Who wins, who loses in the new world of BEVs and the Chinese?
14 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Joe McCabe, President and CEO of AutoForecast Solutions dispels some myths about the future of automotive production and provides a supplier reality c...
Why Valeo picked SXSW to make world debut
04 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Valeo is using South by Southwest 2024 in Austin, Texas to debut a world first: Valeo Racer, a new extended reality in-car gaming experience for passe...
A game plan for dealing with distress
01 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Suppliers who are facing difficult situations, regardless of the circumstances, should follow this playbook to deal with financial issues and chart a ...
How Hydroforming is reshaping the industry
25 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With increased design flexibility, improved strength and advanced durability, Hydroforming could change the way suppliers think of manufacturing and d...
Creating a successful strategy in a changing Chinese market
04 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
China is a multi-modal issue for automotive suppliers with uncertainties and risks in commercial operations and the supply chain. Bain executives Pras...
A glimpse into the Honda purchasing model
21 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How does Honda view its relationship with its suppliers and where will the market turn going into the new year? Mike Lapham, vice president of procure...
How the commercial market leads the way for all suppliers
14 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Angela Timmen, Director of the North American Aftermarket Purchasing Group for Daimler Truck North America, shares her strategy in the truck space wit...
Searching for answers amid industry upheaval
07 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The industry transformation is full of changes in technology, manufacturing process and a new way of looking at OEM-supplier relations. What does that...
Looking into the crystal ball for Class 8
30 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the commercial space, Class 8 trucks are playing a significant role in the economy and are a vital aspect of the commercial vehicle market. But wha...
Breaking through the economic clouds
16 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What economic conditions will affect the supply base the rest of this year and what factors could impact future production plans as we edge into 2024?...
Inside the future brain of the vehicle
09 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Software Defined Vehicles are the new central brain system of vehicles. On this episode of Automotive Insiders, Jason Stein interviews Deloitte’s Ch...
Winning the battle of IT integration
02 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Streamlining IT operations and improving overall efficiency in these challenging times takes a changed mindset and new methods of operational efficien...
Suppliers: How to scale up and stand out
02 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In a redefined, fast-paced landscape, Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein talks to Plante Moran partner Mark Barrott about the ability of suppliers t...
The EV effect across all industries
20 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The preparation for the electric vehicle revolution isn’t just touching the light-vehicle market, automakers and their suppliers. It also extends ac...
The lingering effects of a UAW strike
11 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Suppliers are being hit hard by the UAW strike, but how will today’s actions impact the future – especially after the strike reaches a resolution?...
Understanding the impacts of the UAW strike
05 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What’s the effect of the current UAW strike on suppliers across the industry? Automotive Insiders talks to two experts about the strike’s impact a...
Labor Unrest and Changing Contracts
14 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jason Stein of Automotive Insiders talks to Homayune Ghaussi of Warner Norcross & Judd to discuss the impact of a potential UAW strike on supplier...
Tackling complexity at every turn
07 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Automotive suppliers are increasingly feeling market pressure to combat a host of challenges that might not have been as prevalent in prior years. Ant...
AlixPartners’ take on the future of auto
29 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Wakefield, Global Co-Leader of the Automotive and Industrial Practice at AlixPartners, talks to Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein about the re...
How to navigate nearshoring in Mexico
08 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to Mexico. Legal considerations, including supply chain structures and labor obligations, are cru...
Logistics, labor and tariffs – oh my!
01 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As the industry looks to source more parts in North America, and manage the USMCA’s and IRA rules, how best to understand the Mexico market? Jason S...
The importance of healthy supplier base
11 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
More types of vehicles mean more programs for suppliers to manage — and often with an ever-shrinking profit margin. Automotive Insiders host Jason S...
Solutions for supply chain woes
04 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Reading the fine print has never been more important to automotive suppliers struggling with supply chain issues. Knowing the terms and conditions upf...
Kia tries to build for the future
27 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
OEMs like Kia not only must evolve their products and propulsion systems to meet the demands of tomorrow, but also reach out directly to future employ...
Bold predictions for an evolving auto industry
20 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Joe McCabe, president and CEO of AutoForecast Solutions, joins Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein to lay out how very different the near-term and lo...
Say goodbye to silos, say hello to clear communication
13 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A silo approach to manufacturing doesn't work anymore, if it ever did. A silo approach to supplier relations is just as faulty, according to a gl...
Sorting Through Manufacturing’s Challenges
09 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s climate, three big challenges loom over automotive manufacturing: labor availability, the impact of the shift to electrification, and geo...
Tackling Headwinds Head-on
02 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As macroeconomic challenges pile up within the industry, Bart Huthwaite, principal at RSM, sits down with Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein to disc...
Going Beyond the Basics of ESG
23 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Understanding ESG standards, trends, and opportunities in the global automotive industry has become paramount for success. In this episode of Automoti...
When Will The Recession Hit?
09 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Is a national slowdown at hand? If so, when will that take place? Kevin Depew of RSM talks about the factors at hand with Automotive Insiders host Jas...
Getting smarter with manufacturing
02 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How to navigate supply chain challenges while understanding data analytics in the manufacturing space. Infor’s Peter Maithel and Henning Dransfeld s...
A supplier’s view of 2023
26 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Given the roadblocks, or opportunities, for the new year, what is a supplier’s perspective on the challenges facing the industry this year? Pat D’...